What Bicycle Lights Do I Need for the Cullinan To Tonteldoos?
The Cullinan to Tonteldoos MTB Ultra gravel race will take riders and their support crews over 260km of unmarked district roads. The journey starts at the historic mining village of Cullinan in Gauteng and finishes at the upmarket Highland resort, Dunkeld Country Estate. Historically the race ended at Tonteldoos, however, for logistical reasons the race finish is now at Dunkeld Country Estate, Dullstroom. The route takes you through unspoiled scenery on an open gravel road that will challenge you both mentally and physically. Experience the sunrise perched on your mountain bike or gravel grinder and cruise into the sunset for a magical night ride under the stars. Expect to finish at around midnight where you will be welcomed you home with open arms. Spend the remainder of the weekend relaxing with your family, friends and riding buddies at the beautiful Highland resort.
For the C2T, you should have three lights, each serving a different purpose:
- PRIMARY HANDLEBAR LIGHT
Option 1: THE BAVIAANS BICYCLE LIGHT
The new Baviaans Bicycle Light is the best of the best and made for mountain bikers who live for 24-hour endurance events to fun single tracks during early morning training. Key features you can take into account when making your buying decision:
Beam Pattern & Distance
Our brightest bicycle light yet at 3600 Lumen - a wide hotspot fading into a 180-degree wide beam - lets you see far in the distance, to everything around you (240m). The wide flood on the sides allows you to see “through” the corners, which will help going downhill and around sharp corners throughout the race.
RuntimesYou can now Choose Your Battery capacity according to your needs. Paired with the 5200, 6800 or 10200 mAh high capacity battery pack, it is the best bicycle light that Extreme Lights has to offer for mountain biking. You can check the various runtimes you can expect to get on each battery on the Bicycle Light Battery Runtimes Guide. Ideally, you'll be riding your light in mid- and low mode, only switching to high or boost mode while chasing down steep descents at great speed.
Option 2: THE ENDURANCE+ BICYCLE LIGHT
The Extreme Lights Endurance+ Cycle Light was designed specifically for ultra-long distance races at night time, such as the Trans Baviaans. These are the features you need to look at for the race:
Beam Pattern & Distance
The Endurance Cycle Light has a very wide beam pattern with a concentration of light in the middle. The hotspot in the middle lets you see very far (up to 223m). The wide flood on the sides allows you to see “through” the corners.
Runtimes
Exceptional battery life. The standard battery pack should last you the entire duration of the race unless you are one of the backmarkers! LOW mode (40 hours) is fine to use on flat and uphill terrain. MID mode (10 hours) is great for fast flats and normal downhills. BOOST mode (3.5 hours) should only be used if you are chasing down steep descents at great speed and need maximum light.
- BACKUP LIGHT
The purpose of a backup light is to:
- Get you home safe if your primary light fails (due to crash, damage or running out of battery), or
- Let you work on your bike when you have technical problems en route.
A backup light has to have its own batteries. The Extreme Lights Basecamp Headlamp is ideal. You can keep it in your rear pocket, and then wear it on your forehead, beneath your helmet, in case of an emergency. It is lightweight and comes with 3 AAA batteries in the box.
- REAR RED LIGHT
You need to be visible from the rear, for safety. The new ultra-durable BackUp Rear Bicycle Light, USB C Rechargeable Rear Bicycle Light, is super bright - even during daytime.
Remember to be on the lookout for your 15% Extreme Lights Discount Coupon in one of the event emails, which will be sent to all the race participants.
Not yet entered into this bucket list race? Here's a link where you can ENTER: https://facesadvendurance.howler.co.za/events/cullinan2tonteldoos-bf2d